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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
  • replies: 0

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for ... View more

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for coming this far, we know it can be really hard to take these steps if depression is in your life - we see you and think this is a great step. To get the most out of this space we have a few tips: Get involved. The Forums work best for you when you get active and post where you can. Now, we know that can be really hard, especially when you are experiencing depression. So, if you can post something supportive to someone else here, that would be an incredible start. Speak from the heart. This community wants to know how YOU feel and what has worked for YOU. We trust that you have something unique to say and we can’t wait to hear it. Check in. Lots of the discussions in this section of the Forums have been going for years and they are some of the richest conversations we have. Keep checking in to get new ideas and offer your support. We know it can be tough to start, but when you are ready we want to hear your thoughts. If you need some time to get to know the community, that's okay! Have a look around and see where you want to get involved. Thank you for being here! Beyond Blue

Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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ricksimons Sick of getting no sleep
  • replies: 3

Hi,its 5 am and I cant sleep. So my story is I have recently been diagnosed with depression but I know I've always had it. I've never really been able to work and I'm approaching a point in life where I am struggling to find a purpose.I have an inher... View more

Hi,its 5 am and I cant sleep. So my story is I have recently been diagnosed with depression but I know I've always had it. I've never really been able to work and I'm approaching a point in life where I am struggling to find a purpose.I have an inheritance in the form of property which is where I live. Currently I'm facing a lot of debt because I didn't have parents around to teach me about money when I was younger and here I am ten years later with no clue. been thinking about selling it for a while as it only costs me money I will never have. I don't know how to live. beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

Thinker Over It
  • replies: 1

Well it's 5pm & I'm already in my Pjs waiting till 9.30pm to take my night time medication so the tablets will just knock me out & my thinking stops. This wasn't how my life was meant to be, the feeling of worthlessness surrounds me & I wonder who ac... View more

Well it's 5pm & I'm already in my Pjs waiting till 9.30pm to take my night time medication so the tablets will just knock me out & my thinking stops. This wasn't how my life was meant to be, the feeling of worthlessness surrounds me & I wonder who actually knows how to help me? Tablets, small goals, doctors appointments, I even went as far as getting a life coach, it's consumed my life, yet l still wonder what is it I'm meant to be doing most days & ask myself why isn't this going away, I'm doing what they tell me, do they know what their doing? I feel nothing but a flatline, it's like I'm in slow motion, yet others are trained to live life to the fullest, no problems! Why can't l be that person? Why is my brain different? Why is everything such an effort, why does nothing including food ever full me up? It's like l want someone to finally turn my switch on, l want to feel, l want to belong without questioning myself constantly! Now here l am online searching for others because lm wondering if l can connect with them, I'm wondering if there is hope for a person with depression or if l will feel this way for life?

B_rad71 And so we crash back to earth
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone, Firstly i wanted to thank everyone who has replied to any of my posts.Its great to see people still care about other people in this day and age. So yes i have crashed back to earth. Not in the biggest way. But my anxiety has returned. Iv... View more

Hi everyone, Firstly i wanted to thank everyone who has replied to any of my posts.Its great to see people still care about other people in this day and age. So yes i have crashed back to earth. Not in the biggest way. But my anxiety has returned. Ive been back to the psychiatrist and he has now given me some meds to "take the edge off" when i feel anxious. Im desperate to avoid taking them but sadly have been forced to a couple of times now because i honestly didn't know how to get through the day. The depression hasn't been as bad as before. I do sometimes feel like i dont want to leave the house which might be a mixture of depression and anxiety. Im now starting to realise that i need more help. But reliving my past experiences is so painful that im really not sure where to start. Im scared that when i seek further help i will revert back to where i was 6-8 months ago. I dont want to go back to that. So now im stuck. Once again i dont know how to move forward. I will be perfectly honest, although im very scared to write it down, but i have started wondering if its worth even going on. Wondering i have any reason at all for being. I really am just going through the motions. im starting to feel like a very empty shell. Its not a feeling i like. So i guess the depression is probably worse than i thought since i started the post. Im not suicidal but just unsure where i fit into the world. So i will sign off and just say thanks for reading and i hope to return again soon. Ps. i do have another appointment with my psychiatrist on Wednesday next week so it might be a good idea to tell him how im feeling. Take care everyone Brad

Zman outacontroll
  • replies: 3

Hi all,This is my first post...just a brief outline of myself. Im a 52 y/o male, lost parents in my 20,s. married 3 kids then divorced , then sole parent of my kids after the X fell into heavy drugs. Met a woman at 36 y/o we had twin girls,(now 14). ... View more

Hi all,This is my first post...just a brief outline of myself. Im a 52 y/o male, lost parents in my 20,s. married 3 kids then divorced , then sole parent of my kids after the X fell into heavy drugs. Met a woman at 36 y/o we had twin girls,(now 14). when twins were 6 months we separated and she moved 400km away.and dont see them much anymore. Now with the best woman in the world (5yrs) and we have one kid each living at home both males early 20s.I lose my temper more often at kids,and last time was physical wrestle with my son,ive lost interest in my landscape business and it has all but folded, lost interest in my m/cycle resto and Many other things, my son is moving out and im tired of feeling like the bad guy cos no one understands.I have been diagnosed with moderate depression... no meds, yet the sadness, moodiness,paranoia, and feelings of social isolation and fear of losing every thing is overwhelming. I think that over the last couple of years things have got progresively harder to deal with and i have built up a resentment to the young men in my house who are living for nothing dont have the understanding or care about the pressures or me, without sounding about ME im just so scared to deal with or face nearly anyone except my fiancee...i feel im a little out of controll and will try to work through this without meds,LIFE IS TOO SHORT, im gunna kick this black dog.Bye.

Turkeyman Section for people with financial difficulties?
  • replies: 12

Often I would like to seek assistance with the problems associated with having too many bills, no money and trying to get by in life with this problem. I'm sure I am not the only person struggling financially due to work problems or health issues and... View more

Often I would like to seek assistance with the problems associated with having too many bills, no money and trying to get by in life with this problem. I'm sure I am not the only person struggling financially due to work problems or health issues and was wondering if you could set up a forum that deals with the struggles of being broke and not coping with lack of money? I know there are places like CARE financial services and charities, but these folks don't want to talk about the emotional side of things, only the options [or lack of options] available and it'd be good to vent with others who understand the hardships.

Doolhof Struggling big time
  • replies: 12

I never did understand the "staying in bed all day, unable to do anything issue" but I do now! It seems to be all I want to do recently, that and cry, and feel really angry. I'm starting to really hate my husband too so that isn't helping much. Now I... View more

I never did understand the "staying in bed all day, unable to do anything issue" but I do now! It seems to be all I want to do recently, that and cry, and feel really angry. I'm starting to really hate my husband too so that isn't helping much. Now I am talking about wanting to leave him, he is telling me I have problems! I suggested that maybe if he took me away for a weekend instead of his beer drinking mates I might be a little happier with our relationship. He hasn't worked for nearly two years, just living off his payout, sitting in front of the t.v. and the computer all day. I am out working, keeping the house clean, looking after the garden and trying to fire proof our 5 acre property. I ask for help with the house work and he tells me that vacuuming hurts his back and he doesn't know how to mop! He told me off for buying $7.00 in postage stamps but he has just spent a week drinking and holidaying in Brisbane with some mates! Yesterday I was yelling and screaming abuse at a lady at a service station because she was buying up her groceries in the servo instead of paying for her fuel and moving her car first. I went into the servo yelling out like a lunatic as to who owned the car. I don't know what I would have done if it had been a huge biker looking dude! I probably still would have yelled abuse at him. This depression is a cruel and brutal illness. I've certainly had enough. Where is the OFF BUTTON, the ESCAPE ROUTE and the way out of this LIVING HELL? I don't know any more! I'm going to see my Dr again on Tuesday and dear hubby said he will come along as well. He thinks that pills are the only answer. That a tablet will fix everything. Medication does help, but so does TLC and a little attention form your husband. Why is he so damn blind to the fact that all I need is a little bit of his time and it will make a load of difference? Now I am hating him. I feel it is too late for our marriage. To stay or go is the next big question! I don't have the answer to anything right now. It is all too difficult. Mrs. Dools

gibby3794 does anyone else get bored?
  • replies: 18

im really bored with my routine... im unemployed and have no car so dont really leave the house all that often i get up in the morning have a coffee and smoke at about 10 i start cleaning the house finish that at about 12 depending how much needs doi... View more

im really bored with my routine... im unemployed and have no car so dont really leave the house all that often i get up in the morning have a coffee and smoke at about 10 i start cleaning the house finish that at about 12 depending how much needs doing then have lunch and watch a few shows until 3 when the 10 year old gets home from school make her a hot chocolate and some food if shes hungry, watch some more shows until about 6-630 have dinner go to the gym with a couple friends when i finish dinner and most nights we go fora drive to port or gong, then come back home watch some more shows until about midnight go to sleep and repeat all the next day... except for weekends where no cleaning or anything really gets done lol

ponde Do not know how this works, but need support!
  • replies: 4

It's very strange when you realise that you are actually really alone. You can be lucky enough to have friends and people and family around you, but really when it comes down to it, you are alone. Maybe it is because I don't have children of my own. ... View more

It's very strange when you realise that you are actually really alone. You can be lucky enough to have friends and people and family around you, but really when it comes down to it, you are alone. Maybe it is because I don't have children of my own. I think many people survive losing a partner , or separations because they have to keep going for their kids. I lost my husband to suicide. Lost my dad to cancer and now had a messy break up because I jumped in to needing a bloke too soon after being widowed. Stupid. I look back now and realise how stupid. But how vulnerable to doing it again. I am a bloody strong woman in so many ways, and so pathetic in others. I seriously am driving myself nuts. I chose not to have children. I am ok with that decision. But it does make me wonder what purpose I am on this earth for. Really, why am I here? I keep thinking I have something to offer, something to contribute to the world. Even braiding my nieces hair, and painting their nails is something worthwhile. Would anyone miss me if i was gone. Maybe for a few minutes, but, life would go on, and I too would be another blip in life. Friends say they will help, and they do the best they can. But when it comes down to it, it's all only up to me. To live or die. To get on with it or not. No one is going to come in here on a white horse and fix it all up for me. Gosh I wish they would. But basing that on my past history, they would be completely bonkers and ending up making my life worse. So why can't I just get up and get on with it? I am so disappointed with myself. Either get up and get on with it with confidence and vigour or give up. And even this self pitying drivel of my own is just not right, so many people are in terrible situations and much worse off than me. I didn't want to be my own pity party! beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

bobolk Just needed to vent
  • replies: 11

Hi all,I'm not sure what to say, I'm new here and I just need to get some things off my chest, events over the weekend have led me here. To start I have never been to a doctor regarding my mental health but i am sure that i suffer from depression and... View more

Hi all,I'm not sure what to say, I'm new here and I just need to get some things off my chest, events over the weekend have led me here. To start I have never been to a doctor regarding my mental health but i am sure that i suffer from depression and have done for most of my life. I was suicidal at a young age around 12 or 13 is my first memories of suicidal thoughts and a few attempts. I have been a severe alcoholic since i was about 16 and have been hospitalized on numerous occasions for alcohol related injuries and illness, most recently a severe head injury which is still giving me quite a lot of drama, with my memory, concentration and also is affecting my moods. I had stopped drinking in October last year but in November my long time girlfriend left me and since then I have had alot of trouble staying sober and have gone on several big benders all of which have resulted in either attempted suicides or trips to the er or the police station. Most recently on the weekend i fell off the wagon again and when i drink the dark side of me gets the better of me. After a rather viscous hangover i have decided I'm am going to seek professional help for both my drinking and for my mental health problems. I used to be avid skydiver and motocross rider but I have not ridden in along time due to being drunk 24/7 for the last 6 or 7 years. I always struggled to understand why i became a alcoholic and I now know that i was trying to block out the pain that i was feeling and I now understand that my alcoholism is directly caused by my feelings of depression and despair. final straw for my ex gf. I have been struggling without her as I am still very much in love with her and she still loves me a lot but she said she had to go because she didn't want to watch me die, and now she doesn't answer my calls or texts. I'm lost and I don't know what to do. I'm sorry for my spelling and grammar I found it very hard to write this and there are many things I have left out thanks for reading.beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

Mel86x Depression has come back....
  • replies: 8

Help me, I have had depression for 13yrs, have taken an antidepressant for about the last 7 and the Friday (a week ago) I had a bit of a stressful day work related but forgot to take my medication, the next day I felt a bit off and took my tablet aft... View more

Help me, I have had depression for 13yrs, have taken an antidepressant for about the last 7 and the Friday (a week ago) I had a bit of a stressful day work related but forgot to take my medication, the next day I felt a bit off and took my tablet after work but started to have an anxiety attack then from then on I have felt yuck on and off ever since, I can eat without throwing up but don't have much of an appetite. Sometimes I'd feel ok but then get this warm rush through my body and start feeling sick again. Mornings I start feeling weak in the muscles and stuff and my heart feels like it's racing. Went to the doctor on the Wednesday and told me to try to have 1 n 1/2 tablets but don't feel much different and had 2 tablets this morning I had woken up at 2am and when I started at 5 I didn't feel too good had a 5min rest and finished my shift. Been on and off, not too good at the moment had a bit of a nap. I hear people start having a tolerance to anti depressants and no longer start to work. I feel they don't have much effect at the moment. The doctor told me to go back if im not getting any better but because of Christmas coming I don't think I can do it at the moment.also wondering if vitamin b tablets would help and ok to take with anti depressants?